Manila: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed complaints of inciting to sedition and unlawful utterances against former President Rodrigo Duterte due to his controversial remarks threatening senators with death.

According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III emphasized the seriousness of Duterte's statements, which prompted legal action before the Department of Justice (DOJ). "He encouraged killings. What happened? Many families are now approaching Congress seeking justice. Now, if asked whether he ordered the killings, he will deny it," Torre explained to reporters.

Torre warned that should any harm befall the Senate of the Philippines or its members, the former president cannot dismiss his comments as mere rhetoric. "That is unacceptable," he stated. The remarks in question involved Duterte suggesting the killing of 15 senators to create vacancies for his endorsed candidates. Torre asserted the need for formal proceedings, saying, "Let's file cases and let's see his response to the charges filed against him."

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla commented on the situation, indicating that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has the autonomy to investigate Duterte's alleged threats. "Motu propio (By itself), the NBI can look into that. But we'll see. We're used to the language of the former president," Remulla remarked on Monday.

Remulla further clarified the DOJ's stance, highlighting that they will not react to every statement made by Duterte. However, he acknowledged that if the senators themselves file complaints, the DOJ would have the grounds to act, as they are the ones directly endangered by such statements. "It can possibly have a ripple effect which we do not know," Remulla added.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago supported Remulla's perspective, noting that the NBI is unlikely to initiate an investigation unless a formal complaint is lodged by those directly threatened by Duterte's remarks.